Angel kisses, AKA freckles, dot the faces of million of girls across the globe. They’re playful, sweet, and great for playing connect the dots. And because no one has the same amount of freckles, it’s something that makes you totally unique!

But have you ever wondered about your freckles? Why is it your mom has them, but not your dad? Why do more come out in the summertime? Why are they just on your nose, or shoulders, but nowhere else??

Much of the time, freckles are genetic, meaning that they run in families. Families and kids with fair complexions are more likely to have freckles, but this is not always the case. In many cases, people with light skin also have less melanin, a chemical in the skin that protects us from sun damage. If you have less melanin, you’re more likely to get freckles, rather than tan.

This is also why your freckles are more likely to come out in the summertime. That being said, it’s super important to remember to always wear sunscreen, regardless of how many freckles you have. Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis helps protect you from painful sunburns, and keeps your skin healthy and happy!